10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 61,959 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx lt both front parking light / turn signal light housings are melting, both lamps have failed, both lamp sockets are scorched.
- Plymouth, MI, USA
First my horn fuse continued to blow. I replaced the fuse multiple times. Then my turn signal light went out. I looked at it and noticed that both sides had holes burnt through the amber globe. I was out of town and didn't want to receive a ticket for non working light so I had it replaced, however within a day the bulb blew again and the horn fuse blew again. I took it to the dealer and they said they had no clue what was causing it however I had to pay over $500 to have the headlight parts replaced on both sides. I have an extended warranty and they denied the claim B/C they don't replace lights, however the fact that the car is burning up I don't think I just wanted new lights. I do not feel I should be out money for a problem that has obviously occurred on other vehicles and now mine. I feel that a car that is actually melting/burning is a major safety concern....but I guess until a few people blow up in there vehicles people will be out money to pay for a faulty automobile. I wish I still had my Ford..it never gave me the problems this car has. I started with steering going out, then back hatch never opened, car remote systems doesn't work (and I won't pay to replace that), now the car is blowing fuses, lights, and burning up melting the plastic. I think they should just start replacing the 2004 with something a little more safe....like a Ford.
- Covington, KY, USA
When using the turn signals the dash blinkers operated very fast. Upon checking the turn signal bulbs, both front bulbs were burned out and the amber lens on each had hole in the top of the lens where they had melted. There appears to be flash burns on the outer lens cover. This is a first occurrence at about 68000 miles. The bulbs have been replaced and now operate ok.
- Versailles, OH, USA
For approximately one year, the right front turn light continues to go out. We have replaced the bulb many times. Sometimes it will last a few weeks and sometimes only a few days.
- Orlando, FL, USA
Front blinker lights have melted nickel sized holes in the tops of the amber plastic globes the light bulbs go into. Melted plastic dripped on the light bulbs causing bulbs to fail. Strong melted/burnt plastic odor in the car. Smoke from the melted plastic has discolored headlight assemblies. Have to replace front and back blinker lights at least monthly. Front casings are the only one that caught fire, burned through the orange globish cover through to the outside cover. The lights burning out started within the first year but the fire did not start until 2006. I see more Malibu's on the road with only one day time running light working at a time. It has to be a know problem but the dealership denies it every time I've called over the years.
- Rising Sun, MD, USA
Front blinker lights have melted nickel sized holes in the tops of the amber plastic globes the light bulbs go into. Melted plastic dripped on the light bulbs causing bulbs to fail. Strong melted/burnt plastic odor in the car. Smoke from the melted plastic has discolored headlight assemblies.
- Point Venture, TX, USA
I have replaced the left front turn signal bulb three times in three months. The filaments are ok but the connecting wire on the bulb is burnt through. It appears that the bulb do not seat properly into the socket and vibration causes the connection to arc. I expect this problem to continue until the socket is replaced by the dealer (assuming I can convince the dealer to do so under warranty).
- Glendora, CA, USA
I own a 2004 Chevy Malibu maxx, which has automatic headlights. When the headlights work in automatic mode, everything works fine. Unfortunately the solar sensor that activates them "thinks" the sky is bright when it is very overcast. For the most part not a problem, as you can turn the lights on manually. Un-fortunately, the dash-board lights do not come on when you do this, unless the sensor "thinks" it's dark. To rememdy this, I put something over the sensor, but should not have to, and if I don't, even though I can see in front of my car, I can't see how fast I'm going, tachometer, battery meter readings, etc. When I took the vehicle for service, they replaced the body control module 3 times, told me it was fixed, I went to pick it up, same thing happened. We got into another Malibu, and it happened with that car as well. In other words the system is working the way it was designed. Unfortunately, that does not mean it is working correctly. I believe this to be a safety issue as I can not see dash indicators when I need to turn the lights on manually. I also own a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche with automatic headlights, and this problem does not exist. I've also owned a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu with automatic headlights, and this problem did not exist. My friend owns a 2004 GMC Yukon with automatic headlights, and it does not exist on that either. It appers to be only with the the 2004 (and possibly above) Malibu, and possibly only the Malibu maxx. I would appreciate any help that you may be able to provide. Thank you in advance.
- Rockaway Twp, NJ, USA
- Tracy, CA, USA